The Hawaii County Police Department has donated 16 cellular telephones to a group dedicated to helping the victims of domestic violence and child abuse.

The cell phones were turned over to Turning Point for Families: Alternatives to Violence. They will be used by its clients to report domestic violence and child abuse.

The donated phones had been replaced in the department with newer model cell phones.

“The Hawaii County Police Department is happy to help this worthy organization in its attempts to curtail domestic violence and child abuse,” said Lieutenant Chadwick K. Fukui, head of the Hilo Juvenile Aid Section.

“I’m certain Turning Point for Families will put them to good use.”

Fukui said the organization is in need of more working cell phones. He said Big Island residents who want to donate cell phones may do so by calling the group at 933-8777 or dropping off the phones at the nearest police station.